“Taking it to the Streets” honors Milwaukee Pride

On Thursday, April 21, Pathfinders will honor our positive impact on the lives of LGBTQ youth.

Pathfinders has named Milwaukee Pride, Inc. among the 2016 honorees of Taking it to the Streets, an annual benefit and fundraiser happening Thursday, April 21 at Renaissance Place (1451 N. Prospect Ave.) in Milwaukee.

This event highlights the unique needs and issues that surround runaway, homeless, or otherwise very vulnerable or at-risk youth in Milwaukee. Hosted by Wisconsin’s oldest and most comprehensive service providers for homeless youth, the event will include dinner, silent and voice auctions, raffles, and amazing local entertainment, including PrideFest Milwaukee favorite Lex Allen.

“Through our PrideFest Plus One messaging campaign, we were able to expose the risks and costs of Milwaukee’s youth homeless crisis,” said Jorna Taylor, development director of Milwaukee Pride, Inc.

“The health and wellness of our entire LGBTQ community is at risk when basic human needs are not being met. At this very moment, hundreds of Milwaukee youth don’t know where they’re sleeping tonight.”

“Our collective gift to Pathfinders was not the end of a fundraising campaign; it was the beginning of our pledge to drive positive change.”

It’s estimated that it costs $10,000 per year to stabilize the life of a homeless LGBT youth. Make your dollars matter. Your donation to Pathfinders Q-BLOK can change a life forever.

Other honorees will include CourageMKE, The Challenge Party, Milwaukee Fashion Week, Clement Manor Halloween House and Plymouth United Church of Christ.

“Being the Plus One charity at PrideFest 2015 was a true honor for Pathfinders Q-BLOK program,” said Craig Leren, communications director of Pathfinders. “Not only did the opportunity provide much needed financial support for Milwaukee’s LGBTQ homeless youth, Milwaukee Pride’s marketing campaign brought forth a tremendous amount of community awareness.”

“Taking it to the Streets” is open to the public. Guests are encouraged to RSVP online for attendance and dinner options. Casual attire is requested. Complimentary parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Since 1975, Pathfinders has been a safe haven for Milwaukee youth in crisis. The organization now serves over 6,000 children, young adults and their families every year at three locations.

Q*Blok, a program of Pathfinders Milwaukee, is specifically designed to support LGBTQ-identified young adults at imminent risk of being homeless. In 2014, Q*Blok supported 16 clients in achieving permanent housing and employment.

Questions about Taking it to the Streets, Pathfinders, or the Q*Blok program? Contact Craig Leren, Pathfinders Director of Communications.

It takes a community to stabilize a life in crisis. Pathfinders empowers youth to make positive life choices. Through gifts of time, food, supplies and dollars, you can support LGBT+ youth any day of the year. Learn how at the Pathfinders website.